Make someone happy

Lizzie and Fred enjoyed a relaxed day with family and friends at The Compasses at Pattiswick.

Lizzie Salmon, 35, married Fred Rylah, 36, at The Compasses at Pattiswick on 8th April, 2017.

We spent most of our dating days in pubs so we knew a watering hole was where we'd really love to get hitched. Having found The Compasses at Pattiswick, we kept the organisation of the wedding as simple as possible, not having to decorate the venue was something we were keen on – the whole vibe was perfect, plus they have a cracking gin selection.

I wore Charlie Brear's Harwood design, which was very simple but was made with the most beautiful material. I had tried on various other designers, but I was happy to find something that I felt comfortable in and that made me feel special. I found an incredible seamstress, Satish, who made all the difference to the fit of my dress – it's something you should totally spend money on!

Fred wore a gorgeous, navy Gieves and Hawkes suit with Crocket and Jones shoes. There wasn't a colour theme or style to follow – just to look dapper

My mum gave me away to Jimmy Durant's Make Someone Happy – it was so special and made me feel connected to my late dad, as the song always makes me think of him. I had a photo of him attached to my bouquet so he was walking down the aisle with us.

Jane, the co-owner of the venue, is also a florist, so I asked if she would arrange the flowers for the day. I couldn't get exactly what I wanted due to the time of year but what Jane came up with was perfect – I especially adored my bouquet; it was beautiful and classic.

We had an acoustic singer, Ben Eve, to entertain our guests during the drinks reception. He really suited the vibe of the day and was a big hit with our friends.

Fred and I aren't that fussed about cake but do love a doughnut so Krispy Kremes were the way forward for us. Some were stacked together but most were still in their boxes so guests could help themselves throughout the evening – they were demolished.

The table plan was provided by the venue and boasted little luggage tags hanging on some string. It was useful as when the guest list changed last-minute it was easy to amend.

A beer pong table was a fun way to break up the day and bring out some competitive spirits.

We honestly didn't want to do a first dance and weren't going to but on the day, our DJ mentioned it was a good way to kick start the dancing so we chose The Proclaimers hit I'm Gonna Be (500 miles). I tied Fred's tie around my head and we did an impromptu, and some might say terrible, first dance. It was actually great fun and I'm glad we did it.

To make the most of what we had, the flowers which were hung from the chairs during the ceremony and were reused in our centrepieces. Our tables were named after songs that had meaning to us.

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